PS 2199 
.L36 

Copy I 



SONS OF 
MATTATHIAS 



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i.. . ■£ 




A DRAMA 



JOHN A. LAMPE 



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SONS OF 
MATTATHIAS 



A DRAMA 



BY 



JOHN A. LAMPE 



The production of this play is subject to permission of the Author 



Published by J. A. LAMPE 
807 Fort Dearborn Building, Chicago 



('opyright 1898 by John A. Lampe 



M 



4071 

r — , 

L.ibr«ry of Congress 

^wo Copies Received 
JAN 9 1901 

Co|yycttrfit entry 

..../:.?:^.^^. 

SECOND copy 

Otinmni to 

OROCK OiViSION 

JAN 12 1901 



^, 






CAST OF CHARACTERS. 



Jews. 

Judas Maccabeus A son of Mattathias 

Mattathias A High Priest of Israel 

Merza A child of Judea 

Attalus Brother to Merza 

Nahum Father of Merza 

Zacharias A wandering Jew 

Caleb A servant to Mattathias 

Seba A citizen 

Alpheus A guard 

Apphus^ 

. Brothers to Judas Maccabeus 



Gaddus 
A baron 
Thasi 



Greeks. 

ApoUonius Governor of Samaria 

Apelles Governor of Judea 

Melos A Greek Officer 

Darius / /^ i r> j 

I Greek Guards 

Virturius ( 

Lazycus One who wants to be a soldier 

Althea " 

^y^'^^^ [ Patricians 

Lydia 

Myra 

Titns } Qi^y^ j3oyg 

Linus i 

I^orothy ) ^ ^.^^j^ Maidens 

Sibyl ( 



SYNOPSIS. 



Place of action, Juclea. Time, B. C. 175. 

ACT I. — Street in Modin, the home of Mattathias. GuarcLs 
of the period; the meeting of Judas Maccabeus and 
Merza; La.z^^cus and Zacharais become friends; 
Mattathias; the compact; the assault; Mattathias 
protects Merza; arrival of Apelles; Mattathias gives 
his answer to King Antiochus; the revolt. 

ACT II. — One week later — the apartments of Melos. Caleb be- 
trays his master. 

ACT III. — The same night — the abode of Mattathias in the 
mountains. Caleb conducts Melos thither; a cow- 
ardh" blow staid; Melos wreaks vengeance upon 
Caleb; Merza to the rescue of Mattathias; Judas Mac- 
cabeus appears at a critical moment; Melos is given 
his libertj^; death of Mattathias. 

ACT IV. — Three months later — the camp of Judas Maccabeus. 
Lazycus becomes a soldier; oration of Maccabeus 
to his soldiers; startling news; death of Attains; 
the call "To Arms!" 

ACT V. — The next night — the camp of Apollonius. A night 
of revelry interrupted; the attack of the Maccabees; 
the battle; death of Apollonius; victor^'-. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS- 



R. means right of the stage facing the audience; C, center; L ., 
left; R. C, right of center; L. C, left of center; 1 E., first entrance; 
2 E., second entrance; 3 E., third entrance; U. E., upper entrance. 



COSTUMES. 



(All characters to wear fleshings and sandals.) 
Jews. 

JUDAS MACCABEUS— First and third acts, white tunic 
with red drapery; hair curled, or short curly wig. 

Fourth and fifth acts, military body dress (red)^ 
with drapery; helmet; short sword; shield. 

MATTATHIAS — First and third acts, white robes; white wig 
and beard: staff. 

MERZA (Woman) — White robes falling gracefully to form, 
with gold or silver girdle; long flowing drapery; black 
wavy hair or wig, falling loosely over shoulders; 
bracelets; ornamental head-dress. 

ATTALUS — First and third acts, red tunic, with drapery; 
hair curled or curly wig. 

Fourth act, tunic torn and ragged, to give the ap- 
pearance of having been through a battle. 

ZACHARIAS — First act (to imitate a Jew peddler), long dark 
gown, with patches here and there; flowing sleeves, 
somewhat fringed; half bald black wig; black beard; 
tray (suspended by cord around neck), containing^ 
assortment of articles for sale. 

CALEB — Second and third acts, humpback, and should walk 
lame; tfittered tunic or skins for body dress; scraggy 
gray (half bald) wig; chin beard; short staff. 

ZEBA — First act, tunic of light color. 

NAHUM — Fifth act, gown of dark color, somewhat ragged; 
gray wig and beard. 

APPHUS — Fourth and fifth acts, military body-dress, with 
drapery; helmet; short sword. 

SOLDIERS OF JUDAS— The twelve soldiers who drill in 
Act IV should be costumed alike as near as possible. 
Military body-dress (red); helmets; spears; shields. 



Greeks. 

APOLLONIUS — Fifth act, gorgeous military body-dress; 
draper}^; short sword; head-band; short curly wig: 
mustache and beard optional. 

APELLES — First act, military body-dress, with drapery; hel- 
met; sword. 

LAZYCUS — First act, Greek tunic; red wig; black tights, to 
be stuffed out at knees; sandals; leather pouch, 
carried at side with flask. (Bale carried by Lazycus 
made of burlap and stuffed with paper or excelsior.) 

Fourth and fifth acts, comic military body-dress 
(as ridiculous as possible); large sword and shield; 
helmet; same tights as in first act. 

ME LOS — First, second, third and fifth acts, militar}^ body- 
dress, with draperv: helmet; sword. 

DARIUS and VIRTURIUS—First, second and fifth acts, 
costumed alike; military body-dress, with drapery; 
helmets: swords. 

GREEK SOLDIERS— Fifth act, military body-dress; hel- 
mets; shields: swords. (A distinction should be made 
between Greek and Maccabee soldiers.) 

ALTHEA, CYRENE, LYDIA, MYRA— First and fifth acts, 
Greek gowns of light shades, with drapery; head- 
bands; bracelets; sandals. 

DOROTLIY, SIBYL— First and fifth acts, Greek gowns. 

TITUS, LINUS — Fifth act, blackened to represent slaves; 
kinky wigs; leopard skins thrown over shoulders; 
black tights. 



ACT I. 

SCENE' — Street in Modin. Ancient Greek buildings, col- 
umns, arches, etc.; Pedestal, C; facsimile of marble, uith bust 
of Greek god Jupiter mounted thereon; Marble bench, L.; 
DARIUS resting on spear, U. R., looking out to R. 

{Enter MELOS quickly L. 1 E.; discovers DARIUS.) 

MELOS— Ho, ho! my good Darius!. Well met. (C.) 

DARIUS— Greeting , m3^ dear Melos. {Advances to MELOS. 

MELOS— By Bacchus! {Slapping BARWS on shoulder.) It 
has been an age since I saw thee last. But wh}^ so morose? 

{inquiringly). Hath the wine cup grown sour, or ha! ha! 

ha! perhaps thy latest love affair hath been cast to the winds. 

DARIUS — Naj^ naj^ my friend; thou art all wrong. I 
was thinking of slaves w^hen thou comest upon me. 

MELOS— Slaves! ha! ha! ha! Then thou didst indeed have 
gloomy thoughts for such a bright and glorious morning. 
Come, thcit is too much to waste thy precious moments on — 
these base, ignoble, miserable creatures. Darius, methinks 
thou hast supped upon something which does not agree with 
th}^ inner man. 

DARIUS — Again thou art wrong, mj^ worthy. But see! 
Are we not all slaves? The common herd are slaves to their 
masters, and their masters are slaves to gold. The soldier is 
a slave to his King, and the King — (MELOS makes gesture 
for silence) aye, even the King is a slave to 

MELOS — Sh — ! {making gesture for silence and looking about). 
Other ears than mine might call thy words treason. But, 
look j'ou here, Darius, he who would be at peace with himself 
must serve his King, and serve him well. 

DARIUS— A^^e, ni}^ dear Melos, in that I have never been 
lacking. 

MELOS — ^Truly spoken; truly spoken. {Crosses R.) 

DARIUS — Hast thou heard aught, Melos, from the illus- 
trious Antiochus? 

MELOS {confidentially) — ^The edict of the King hath gone 
forth, and woe be unto the luckless Jew who fails to sacrifice 
to the gods, and to-day shall see the high priest Mattathias 
bow down at the altar of Jupiter {pointing to pedestal), or repent 
his folly in a dungeon cell; for so says Apelles. 



DARIUS — Good, good! Death, I say, to the wretches f 

MELOS — ^Now, speakest thou hke Darius again. But come, 
my worthy; away to the tower, to have a cup with me {they are 
going), and to feast and be merry; and by the grace of Bacchus 
rU give thee wine fit for the gods! {Exit R. 2 E.) 

{Enter MERZA L. U. E., ivith basket of flowers. Comes 
down L. C.) 

MERZA — Ere this Attalus should have returned. I will 
bide here awhile. {Goes to bench L.; sits down; arranges 
flowers.) 

(£;n^er JUDAS MACCABEUS, R. U. E.; discovers MERZA.) 

JUDAS {in surprise) — ^Merza! Thou in Modin? {Crosses 
to her. MERZA, rising, ineets JUDAS.) Truly, heaven hath 
bestowed this joy. 

MERZA — ^Judas, I am happy to see thee. 

JUDAS — ^And thy brother, the good Attalus, is here? 

MERZA — Even now I await his return. We came but this 
morning to bring offerings to the Temple and to learn what news 
hath come from Antiochus. 

JUDAS (astV/e)— Antiochus! {to MERZA) Ah, Merza, 
thou art like a bright ray of sunlight flashed upon the dark 
thoughts tliat have been crowding upon me. 

MERZA— Judas, tliou art troubled. 

JUDAS — ^Aye, that I am; sorely troubled; come, let us be 
seated. {Leads her to bench L.) Merza, thou hast plighted 
thy troth to me. Do thou ever hold it sacred. As a little child 
I learned to love thee, Merza. Together we scaled the vine- 
clad hills that surround dear old Mispah; together we played 
at the mountain brook, and knew naught of danger. We grew 
up side by side, each year entwining out affections more closely 
together, and all the world was beauty and contentment. But 
to-day a dark, ominous cloud has broken over our land, a cloud 
of tyranny and opjjression, and who knows; perhaps this very 
day we may be called upon to defend country, home and friends. 
Aye! {rising) Merza, I would be the first to draw the sword for 
liberty and justice. 

MERZA {looking up at JUDAS)— And I would guard thee, 
Judas, with my prayers. 

JUDAS — ^May all the blessings be showered upon thee — 
thou goest to the Temple, Merza? 

MERZA {rising)— Yes. 

JUDAS — ^Then I go with thee, for thou art not safe among 



these barbarians. (MERZA picks out flower fj'oni basket and 
hands it to JUDAS.) May thy hfe be ever as bright and sweet 
as this flower. — Come. [Exit R. 2 E.) 

{Enter LAZYCUS, L. U. E., carrying bale on his back; 
labors heavily; drops bale, L. C.) 

LAZ. — Verily, 1 say, this is a dog's hfe. 63^ the fates, 1 
most forgot {taking flask from belt), 'tis the feast of Bacchus 
to-day, and the master has been most hberal. My master calls 
me an ungainly knave. He saj's that i spoil the beauty of the 
earth, and that if he were in my place he would put an end tp 
the latter. Ah ! but my master knows me not. He knows not 
what ambition is smouldering in this manly breast. {Strikes 
chest.) Nay! nayl we Greeks were intended for something 
higher — something more noble, than serving masters. Oh, 
for the life of a soldier! — to fight, feast and be merry! Verily 
the gods have formed me for a great general. But 1 must not 
forget 'tis the feast of Bacchus. {Raises flask to lips.) 
{Shouts from R. LAZYCUS turns in alarm.) 

LAZ. — Now, by Pollux! what can this mean? {Looks about. 
More shouts.) 

{Enter ZACHARIAS, R. U. E., with a bound, shouting.) 

ZACH. — Oh, Jerusalem! 1 must have struck the wrong 
town! 

LAZ. {Jumping behind bale — By Hercules, what have we 
here? 

(Shouts from R.) 

ZACH. {shaking fist to R.)— Oh, you loafers! {Discovers 

LAZYCUS.) Ah, my friend, art thou one of us? 

LAZ. — Na3^ nay, thou Jew. 1 am a Greek. I am a soldier, 
{Aside.) That is, 1 am going to be one. 

ZACH.— Eh-h-h? A soldier? (Surreys LAZYCUS.) Yea, 
yea. Trul^^ thou lookest every inch a soldier. Behold in me 
another. {Aside.) That is, 1 am going to be one. What is 
thy name, friend? 

LAZ. — Lazycus. But 1 am no friend of thine, for I join the 
camp of Apollonius forthwith. {Starts to R.) 

ZACH.— Sta\'! stay! my worthy Laz\'cus; be not so ra.sh. 
Tak i the word of Zacharias and join not with Apollonius, for 
1 tell thee he is a barbarian, and his soldiers are only half fed. 

LAZ. — How now — what sayest thou? Z-z-z — thj^ name 
again? 

ZACH. — Zacharias — Zacharias. I come from Samaria. 



9 

LA2. — ^Ay! aj'! my worthy Z-Z-Z-Zac-Zacher — Cracker — 
Zacker — By Bacchus! 1 can't twist my tongue so. 

ZACH. — Zach-a-rias! Oh, Jerusalem, that is easy, my 
friend. 

LAZ. — ^Ah, yes; Zach — Zacher — Zacher — Pollux! Let it go 
at that! Thou sayest his soldiers are only half fed? 

ZACH. — ^A3"e! it is so said. 

LAZ. — Then, bj^ the fates, I foreswear the wretches, for that 
touches me in a vital spot, and if the}' stint me, how shall 1 be 
able to face the enemy? But stay, my good Zach, whom 
wouldst thou have me join? 

ZACH. — Sh-h-h. {In undertone. ) Canst thou keep a secret? 

LAZ. — Trust a Greek for that. 

ZACH. — ^And promise never to reveal it? 

LAZ. — By yonder Jiipiter {pointingto altar), and the big gates 
. of Jerusalem, 1 swear! 

ZACH. — Fast in the mountains of Modin lies a little band of 
brave patriots who love their countrj^ but refuse the laws of 
that monstrous King, Antiochus. They are gaily growing 
in number, and under the guidance of the high priest Matta- 
thias they will soon strike a blow that will free Judea of her 
tyrants. Let us go thither. 

LAZ. — ^Treason, treason! 1 will proclaim it to the King at 
once. {Starts off R.) 

ZACH. — Stay, my friend, don't get excited. Remember j'ou 
swore. 

LAZ. {turning) — But tell me, good Zach., do they feed their 
soldiers well? 

ZACH. —Aye, aye; on the best. {Slips flask from LAZYCUS 
and attempts to drink.) 

LAZ. {counting on fingers) — Pie? 

ZACH. — Aye, trulv, truly. {Makes another atte))ipt.) 

LAZ.— And cake?^ 

ZACH. — Doubt it not, n\x good Lazycus, {Makes another 
•attempt.) 

LAZ.— And cream-puffs? 

ZACH.— Aye! Aye! 1 have Said it. {Makes another 
attempt.) 

LAZ.— And ice cream? 

ZACH.— Aye! Aye! Aye! I have told thee so. (Drinks 
•'Contents.) 

LAZ. — Oh, ye gods! What a meal for a soldier. Zach., I 



10 

am with you. (They shake hands. ZACHARIAS replaces 
flask without discovery.) 

ZACH. — Let us go at once. 

LAZ. [picking up hale — Lead on Zach! Lead on. 1 follow. 
[They start out R.) 

{Enter MELOS, DARIUS and VIRTURIUS, quickly, R. 
2 E. ZAC ■ I ARIUS and LAZYCUS start hack in alarm.) 

LAZ. — Ah-h-h! {Drops hale L., and hides hehind it.) 

ZACH. (C.)— Oh, Jerusalem! 

MELOS (R. C.)— Now, what dark conspiracj^? Hold, thou 
Jew. What dost thou here? AVhat is thy name? Where dost 
thou hail from? Answer quickly. 

ZACH. {aside) — By the memor}^ of ni}^ forefathers, he wants 
to know the whole history at one time {advances to MELOS and 
holds out tray). IVIy friend, just see the bargains, look at them, 
examine them 

MELOS (sharp' y) — Silence, knave! Keep thy wagging 
tongue quiet! 

LAZ. (from hehind hale) — Oh dear! oh dear, this is no place 
for me! 

ZACH. (to MELOS)— But my friend, just look— 

MELOS — Enough, miserable tramp. What care we for thy 
accursed stuff? Obey the King's command and make tlw sac- 
rifice to Jupiter (pointing to a tar). 

ZACH. — Ah, my friends, but Jehova is not of stone. 

MELOS — Seize him, guards! He denies the gods! (Guards 
seize him.) 

ZACH. (struggling) — But my friends 

MELOS — Awav with him, guards! The citv is well rid of 
such as thee. (DARIUS and VIRTURIUS "drag ZACHA- 
RIAS out R. 2 E.) 

LAZ. (from hehind bale) — Fare thee well, Zach! fare thee 
well! 

MELOS (to LAZYCUS)— Here, thou knave, come forward. 
(LAZYCUS comes cautiously.) I see thou art a Greek? 

LAZ. — Aj^e (advances trembling), and I would fain be a soldier 
like thee. 

MELOS— A soldier! (Stamping with foot. LAZYCUS draivs 
back frightened.) Thou creature of awkwardness, get thee 
hence quickh^! (Wavss to L.) 

(LAZ. picks up bale and starts out to R.) 

MELOS — Nay — nay! Go that way (pointing to L.). 



11 

LAZ. — But I would go that way. (R.) 

ME LOS— I say, go that way— doU! (L.) 

LAZ. — But mv destination lies that wav. (R.) 

MELOS— Go/l say! (L.) 

LAZ. — But my master says 

MELOS — Vex me not; thou scurv}" slave, or I'll have thee in 
the dungeon in a trice! LAZYCUS exits L.) 

MELOS — Now to join my comrades. {Exits R.) 

LAZ. {re-enters from L., looks after the departing MELOS and 
laughs loudly). And I say 1 will go that way. {Crosses to R.). 
Knave! Dolt! Scurvy slave! Fine names for a Greek — and 
this on the feast of Bacchus. Yes, I will join Zach's army in 
the mountains and then {shaking fist), by all the gods — woe to 
thee, guards, when we meet again! {Exits R. ivith bale.) 
(Enter JUDA^R. 2E.) 

JUDAS (R. C.) — The guards no longer screen their acts of 
violence by the cover of darkness, but now force their cruelties 
in the open street. {Starts to I.. U. E.) 
{Enter ATT ALUS, quickly, L. U. E.) 

JUDAS (C.)— -Welcome, my good Atlalus. {They dasp 
hands. ) 

ATTALUS— Judas, I greet thee. Hast thou seen Merza? 

JUDAS— I have just left Merza at the Temple. She is no 
longer safe in the streets alone. 

ATTALUS — ^Then news hath come from Antiochus? 

JUDAS — News? Yes. I have but now come from Jerusa- 
lem, and 'tis commanded that our people shall forsake the laws 
of our fathers and abide by those of the heathens. 

ATTALUS— Which we cannot do! 

JUDAS — Can not! Nay, Attains, say rather which we will 
not do! 

ATTALUS— Ay, will not do!— But what doth the vener- 
able Mattathias, thy father, make answer? 

JUDAS — I but now go to have audience wdth him. Do thou 
CO ne with me. (JUDAS starts to cross to L.) 
{Enter MATTATHIAS R. U. E.) 

ATTALUS ((/iscoferni^ MATTATHIAS)— Stay! Thy father 
doth approach. 

MATTA. {advancing to ATTALUS, ivho kneels L. C. to receive- 
blessing)— A greeting to thee, my good Attains {then advancing 
to JUDAS, who kneels R. C.) And welcome, Judas, mj^ son. 
What tidings dost thou bring? 



12 

JUDAS (rising) — Father, I have just returned from Jerusa- 
lem. The citj' is in the hands of the twants, and the proclama- 
tion of Antiochus hath gone forth. 

MATTA. (172 distress)— God forbid? 

JUDAS — Aye — God forbid. Father, we have become as 
slaves. Not base, ignoble slaves who crouch beneath their 
master's lash, but slaves to a treacherous king, cruel despots, 
rich with plunder of our fellow countrymen— twants, who with 
lawless force and guilty hand have spread desolation through- 
out our land. Each day new crimes of oppression and pro- 
tected murder cries out against them. But this very day one of 
our kinsmen was struck down like a brute by a hireling of that 
barbarian Antiochus, because forsooth he bowed not low in 
shameful mockery at the altar of their graven god. Be we men 
and view such outrages in silence? ]\Ien, and draw not sword 
of justice? Such shames are man}^, and we know of greater 
wrongs. 

]\IATTA. — My son, mj' days are few. Now hath pride and 
chastisement gotten strength, and the time of destruction and 
indignation is nigh. Therefore, my son, take courage and be- 
ha\-e manfully in the laws of your fathers; for bj'^ it j^ou shall 
be glorious. Go! assemble thy countrymen — all who have a 
good will and are zealous of its laws, and be prepared, for the 
time of action is at hand. 

JUDAS {knee's to receive blessing, then rising clasps hand of 
MATT ATHIAS)— Father, thy will shall be obeved. 

(MATTATHIAS exits L. 1 E. JUDAS folloivs to L. AT- 
TALUS crosses from L. C. to R. C, looks after MATTA- 
THIAS unti' he has made exit, then crosses to JUDAS.) 

ATT ALUS [taking JUDAS by hand) — ^Judas, thou hast no 
stancher friend in all Judea than I. 

JUDAS (turning to ATTALUS)-— Ere this thy words have 
been proven. Attains, thou knowest well the story of our 
thraldom, and shall we continue to basely view the ruin? No! 
Iw the eternal God, I swear our people shall be free. Jlark you,. 
Attains. Alreadj^ our kinsmen to the number of a thousand 
are secreted in the mountains, and it needs but the Avord to put 
them in battle arraj^. Therefore, when thou returnest to th}^ 
home do thou exhort thy countr3mien to be true and lo3^al to the 
cause. Mispah is the gateway of the approach from Samaria, 
and should an armj'' be s&nt from Antiochus do thou send me a 
messenger at once. 



13 

ATTALUS — Unless m\" heart's blrx)d moisten a Greek blade, 
I will not fail thee. 

JUDAS — Thou wert ever brave and true, Attalus. Do thou 
guard thy sister well, for thou knowest I love her above all on 
earth. 

ATTALUS— She is thy betrothed wife, Judas. She is my 
sister. Dear as she is to thee, none the less dear is she to me. 
I will protect her with my life. 

JUDAS {crossing to L. 1 E.) — Come, then, let us arm our- 
selves, for ere the day grows old we may have need of a sword's 
•point. 

(JUDAS and ATTALUS exit L. 1 E.) 

{Enter ALTHEA and CYREXE, icith garlands, R. U. E.) 

ALTHEA— -\nd to-day is the feast of Bacchus. (C.) 

CYREXE — \'erily, the gods have indeed given us a perfect 
day for the occasion. {Adia7ices to aHar.) 

ALTHEA — Hail to thee, Jupiter. Thus do we sacrifice to 
thee. {They place garlands on altar.) Smile on our joys to-day. 
{They are seated on bench L.) 

CYF^XE — And Apelles gives a grand banquet. See (R.) 
the guests are already assembling. {Enter LYDIA and MYR A^ 
leisurely, L. U. E. and plax:e garlands on alter. DOROTHY 
and SIBYL jdloic leisurely after LYDIA ayid MYRA and re- 
main L. C.) Oh, it will be a glorious nieht, .Althea, a glorious 
night. Oh, the music, the song, the wild revelry, the wine 
that will flow like a crimson stream. Oh, this would be a dull 
world, indeed, Althea, were it not for us Greeks. 
(LYDIA and MYRA advance R. C.) 

CYREXE {discovering LYDIA and :MYRA)— -\h, Lydia and 
^lyra {rising)^ we give thee greeting. 

LYDIA — We return thy greeting, and wish thee much joy. 

;MYRA {looking R. 2 E.| — Ah, here comes the noble Melos. 
Now we shall hear what of the day. 
{Enter :\IELOS R. 2 E., quickly.) 

ALTHEA (L. C. )— Tarry, my good Melos. Why this haste? 

CYREXE — Yea, thou struttest along as if in pursuit of an 
enemy. 

MELOS — I greet thee, fair ladies. {Saluting them.) ^lay 
the blessings of Venus be with you, and yoirr beauty never grow- 
less. 

LYDIA — Ah! Melos, thou wert ever a gay flatterer. 

]\rYRA — Go'st thou also to the banquet of Apelles? 



14 

MELOS— Alas, no; for my time will be fully occupied. 

ALTHEA — And praj^ what has transpired to make thine 
hours so precious? 

ME LOS — Have ve not heard the news? 

LADIES {in chorus)~No\ 

MELOS — Then know you that a proclamation hath been 
issued and all Jews are commanded under the penalty of im- 
prisonment and death to obey the law as set forth by the illus- 
trious Antiochus, and their Temple is ordered closed. 

LADIES (in chonis)~Ah\ 

LYDIA — This is, indeed, good news. 

MELOS — And more. They who refuse are already being 
sold into slavery, and a fair Jewess will iDring a good price at 
the slave market in Antioch. 

ALTHEA — And thou art seeking to increase thv fortune? 

MELOS— And why not? 

CYRENE — Then thou hadst better retrace thy steps, for 1 
did see a comely Jewess go into their temple as we passed by. 

MELOS — Thither will I go at once. Farewell, dear ladies 
{sahdes), and may the gods grant you joy on this, the feast of 
Bacchus. {Exits R. 2 E.) 

ALTHEA — A dashing officer is the noble Mclos. 

CYRENE — And handsome, too. 'Tis rumored that he will 
succeed Apelles. 

ALTHEA — But look. Who is yon strange man approach- 
ing? 

CYRENE {all look L. 1 E.)— Ah, 'tis the fanatical old high 
priest of the Jews, Mattathias — one who thinks he can compel 
the illustrious Antiochus to submit to his wishes, Ha! ha! ha! 
Come, let us hence, for what care we for his jireacliings. {All 
exit R. 1 E.) 

{Enter MATTATHIAS L. 1 E.) 

MATTA. — Go! go! Accursed idolitors. {Soliloquizes.) 
Woe is me! Wherefore was I born to see the ruin of m}' peoplel 
The holy places are come into the hands of strangers; the sessels 
of her glory are carried away captive; her old men are murdered 
in the streets, and her young men are fallen by the sword of the 
enem3^ And, behold, our sanctuary and our beauty and our 
glory is laid waste, and the Gentiles have defiled them. To 
what end, then, should we live any longer? (.4 woman's scream 
R. MATTATHIAS looks startled.) 
{Enter MERZA, hastily, R. 2 E.) 



15 

MERZA (screaming) — Help — save me — save me! (Sinks 
down exhausted R. oj MATTATHIAS) 1 am — pursued — by 
the guard! 

MATTA. (in alarm) — Merza! (Jew and Greek citizens enter 
hastily L. U. E. and II. U. E.) 

(Enter MELOvS, quickly, R. 2 E.) 

MATTA. (throwing arm aloft as MELOS enters)— Hold, 
coward! Would you harm a child? 

MELOS (pointing to MERZA) — That woman is my captive. 

MATTA. (deftantly) — She is under my protection. Has it 
come to this, thiit women are no longer safe in the streets of 
Modin? 

MELOS — In the name of the King, I demand her! 

MATTA (takes MERZA by the hand, assists her to rise, and 
quickly places her to left side) — ^And in the name of the Almighty 
Jehova, I say no! 

A GREEK CIT.— He refuses to obey the law! 

GREEKS (in chorus) — Aye! 'tis treason! Seize him! 

MELOS (drawing sword) — Aside! 1 will have her! 

MATTA — Wretch! 1 fear not the blade of a coward who 
will hunt down defenseless women. Mattathias is an old man, 
but 1 tell thee that ere thou canst take this child, thou must 
first cross over my corse! 

MELOS (returning sivord to scabbard) — Apelles shall be in- 
formed at once. (Exit MELOS, R. 2 E.) 

MATTA.— Go! (To MERZA) Be at peace, Merza, for 
thou art among friends. (Leads her to L. C.) 

A GREEK CIT. (stepping forward R. C, and addressing 
GREEK CITIZENS) —Citizens of Modin, he hath spurned 
the law! He is a traitor! Let us seize him! 1 for one say, 
down with the Jews. (Starts toward MATTATLIIAS in 
threatening manner. ) 

GREEKS (in chorus) — Aye, down with them! (Co}nnwtion 
among GREEK and JEW^ citizens.) 

MATTA. (turns on GR. CITIZEN sharply, tuith defiance. 
He cowers) — ^Thou speakest of law. Nay, thou who cravest 
for innocent blood knowest no law. Go hence, all of ye, creat- 
ures of sin and corruption. Hence! 

A GREEK CIT. — Ho! citizens, he denounces the law and 
blasphemes. Come, let us on to Apelles. He shall deal with 
him. 



16 

GREEKS (z'n chorus) — ^Aye, to Apelles! On to Apelles! 
(GREEKS exit R. U. E., shoutmg.) 

MATTA.(C., addressing JEWS)— Ye men of Judea! Sons 
of freedom! Ye all did see what deed was done. Hark, hark, 
to a voice that bids ye rise. Have ye brave sons, to see them 
struck down by a ruffian hordi;? Have ye fair daughters, to 
see them torn from loving arms, and if ye dare call for justice, 
be answered with a lash? Shall we, like frightened sheep, 
sink down beneath the power of these hatefid tj'rants, who 
wield the law in this accursed hour? 
JEWS {in chorus)— No\ No! 

(Flourish of trumpets. All look R. Shouts (R.) Apelles! 
Apelles! Hail to Apelles! GREEK throng enters R, 
2 E., shouting and gesticulating. Group, R. C.) 
{Enter APELLES, preceded by MELOS, DARIUS and 
VIRTURIUS, R. 2 E.) 
APELLES (R. C.)— In the name of the illustrious King 
Antiochus, greeting! 

GREEKS {in chorus) — Long live King Antiochus! 
APELLES— 1 seek the high priest, Mattathias. 
MATTA. (L. C.)— 1 am here. What wouldst thou of me? 
APELLES — A message from the illustrious Antiochus. 
(JEW^S and GREEKS look up in surprise. Apelles ad- 
vances and hands roll of paper to MATTATHIAS, ivho 
reads. ) 
"To the high priest Mattathias, Greeting: — ^Thou art a ruler, 
and an honorable and great man in this city, and adorned 
with sons and brethren. Therefore, come thou first and obey 
the King's commandment, as all nations have done, and the 
men of Judea and ihey that remain in Jerusalem, and thou 
and thy sons shall be in the number of the King's friends and 
enriched with gold and silver and many presents. This is the 
command of King Antiochus, and all men must obey." 

MATTA. ^ — Is it to bow in silence to our oppressors? Is it 
to see our cities sacked and pillaged, and our people slain or 
sold as slaves? Is it to see the holj^ Temple polluted with strange 
gods and profaned with the blasphemy of these hateful tyrants? 
Woe to thee, Antiochus, thou proud King; th3' t3'rannies are 
at an end; th}^ flag of glory shall cease to wave, and Judea 
shall again be free! Sons of Judea, arise! arise! and throw off 
the yoke of oppression! 



17 

APELLES— Dost thou dare refuse to obey the King's com- 
mand? 

MATTA. — ^Aye! though all the nations under the King's 
dominion may obey him, 1 and my sons and brethren will obey 
the law of our fathers. We will not hearken to the words of 
Antiochus! 

JEWS {in chorus)— No\ No! We will not! 

{Enter SEBA, R. U. E., with garland.) 
APELLES — Ah! one of thy countrymen comes to give 
sacrifice. Make way! Thus is the law of Antiochus obeyed. 
(SEBA advances and kneels before altar.) 
MATTA. {in a rage)— Wretch! Thou art not worthy to 
breathe the air God gave thee! {Rushes upon SEBA and 
strikes him down with staff. As SEBA falls, GREEKS scream. 
Commotion on both sides.) 

GREEKS {in chorus) — He is a murderer! He is a traitor! 
Seize him! Away! Away! 

MATTA.— To arms! To arms, ye brave! Down with 
idolatry. That is the answer to Antiochus! {Hurls roll of 
paper at APELLES.) 

APELLES — Guards, seize him! 

(MELOS draws stvord and rushes at MATTATHIAS. 
JUDAS rushes in L. 1 E., with drawn sword. Strikes 
sword from MELOS, ivho recoils. ATTALUS folloivs 
JUDAS to L.) 
JUDAS — Hold! Another step and thy life shall pay for it. . 



18 



ACT IL 

SCENE. — Apartments of Me' as. Tab'e and two chairs R. C; 
arch or door tea y in flatc. VIRTURIUS stationed near door- 
way. MELOS discovered sitting. 

MELOS {reads) — To 1113^ trusted officer Melos. Greeting: 
As revolt and insurrection has taken place among the Jews of 
our province, you are hereby commanded under orders from 
the most illustrious sovereign Antiochus to stamp out this 
rebellion at once. You are invested with full jwwer. Slay those 
who are dangerous to the state and spare none who refuse the 
mandates of the king. Apelles, Governor of Judea. 

MELOS [rising) — Verily, I have already laid plans to that 
end— \'irturius! (VIRTURIUS advances to MELOS a??d salutes.) 
A certain Jew will shortly present himself; if he gives the name 
of Caleb, conduct him hither at once. (\^IRTURIUS salutes 
MELOS and starts to exit.) 

{Enter DARIUS, C. D., hastily. Exit VIRTURIUS, C. D.) 

MELOS {to DARIUS)— Hail, Darius; thy visit is most 
opportune. liast thou news? 

DARIUS (R. C, MELOS L. C.)— My good Melos, 'tis plain 
that something must be done. This old fanatic Mattathias, 
together with his band of ruffians, have fled to the mountains 
and are arming themselves against the king. {Seats himself 
in chair R. of table.) 

MELOS {advancing to DARIUS)— My worthy Darius, this 
is already known to me and also something of more import. 
(DARIUS looks up inquiring\\) Nay, start not if I tell thee 
•that I am aware of the exact location of Mattathias and his. 
ciccursed followers. 

DARIUS — liow know you this? 

MELOS — My friend {in undertone), creatures with an itch- 
ing palm are many — creatures to whom corrupting gold would 
tempt to am^thing. 

DARIUS — And has thou one such? 

MELOS — Aye, that I have, one of their owni people — a dis- 
contented wretch who hath a grievance and this, coupled with 
a greed for gold, he stands ready to do my bidding. 

DARIUS — But this creature of whom thou speakest? 

MELOS — I now await him. Llark you, Darius, 'twould 



19 

avail us naught to send our soldiers against this lawless rabble, 
they have secreted themselves in cave and cleft of the moimtiiins 
which cannot be reached by a bod3^ of soldiers. They will 
not come out to fight but boldh^ defy the King's laws. 

DARIUS (rising hastily) — Then, by Jupiter, let us starve 
the wretches out. 

ME LOS — Nay, we must secretly dis])ose of their leaders. 
Once this is accomplished — ha! ha! ha! be assured, nn^ good 
Darius, the rest of the herd will soon come to terms. 

DARIUS — And how wouldst thou proceed? 

MELOS — Listen. In a rockj^ and almost impenetrable defile 
is the rude abode of Mattathias and his sons. With them is a 
man. Attains, from Mispah, and his sister, who (if thou art 
not aware) is betrothed to this scoundrel Judas Maccabeus. 

DARIUS— Now, what say you? Betrothed to Judas Mac- 
cabeus? This woman whom thou didst pursue in the street? 

MELOS— Aye, of a truth. By Venus, 'twould sooth this 
woiuid of humiliation to have her seized. Yea, I would make 
her mv slave. 

DARIUS— But to accomplish this? 

(Enter VIRTURIUS. Salutes MELOS.) 

MELOS — How^ now, my good Virturius? 

VIRT. — The Jew Caleb awaits your pleasure. 

MELOS— Bid him enter at once. (VIRT. steps to door.) 
(Enter CALEB, nervous and excited.) 

MELOS — So you have come, Caleb? 

CALEB — Most noble sir, at vour service. 

MELOS (aside to DARIUS) ' What think you, Darius, of 
this object? 

DARILTS — If appearance be not deceptive, I would say thou 
hast a good subject. However, bew^are of treacherv. 

MELOS (to CALEB)— Hast thou discovered aught, Caleb? 

CALEB (looking cautiously about)— The hiding place of 
Mattathias will be ungarded to-night. 

MELOS — Ah (turning to DARIUS ivith significant nod which 
is returned by DARIUS) — Well, unfold your plans. 

CALEB (inquiringly) — -The reward thou hast pro.nised? 
Thou wilt keep faith with me? 

MELOS — Yea, 3^ea. I have given thee my word. Proceed. 

CALEB — Thus it is, most noble sir. A meeting of their peo- 
ple will be held tonight in a cavern some distance from the abode 
of Mattathias. Judas and his cohorts go thither to speak to 



20 

them. Mattathias, the woman Merza and a single guard 
alone remain. 

MELOS — Hear you, Darius? Now, by the fates, with a few 
of our soldiers 

CALEB (interposing) — Nay, nay, 'twould not be well. The 
approaches are guarded by their people. Thy soldiers would 
be discovered, an alarm sounded and all our plans ruined. 

MELOS— Well, by what process then? 

CALEB — A secret passage is Isnown to me alone. Under 
cover of darkness I can lead thee to their hiding place without 
discover3^ 

MELOS — And thou wouldst have me go with thee? 

CALEB — A3^e, most excellent sir. 

MELOS {looking at DARIUS, who raises a learning hand. 
MELOS turns on CALEB with fury)—Jew\ {grasps CALEB 
by shoulder and forcing him to his knees) If thou art planning 
to betray me into the hands of thy people, by the gods I'll have 
thee beaten with clubs. 

CALEB {pleading) — Nay, nay! 'tis not so, believe me. I'll 
betray thee not. I hate my people! 1 tire of their slavery! I, 
crippled and deformed, of what use to oppose the king's laws 
and lead a beggarly existence when riches await me. Naj'', 
command me, most excellent sir. 

MELOS— And wilt thou do my bidding? 

CALEB — Yes, 'tis so agreed. 

MELOS — I would possess this woman Merza and hold her as 
a weapon to bring Judas Maccabeus and his rebels to terms. 
Think you this can be accomplished? 

CALEB — A\'ith thy help, good sir. Go thou with me and 
thou thyself shalt have the pleasure of bearing away the maiden. 

MELOS — Hark yoii further. This rebellion must be brought 
to an end. To do this, their leaders must be disposed of. Dost 
thou understand? Dost thou divine mv meaning? 

CALEB— Do I divine? 

MELOS — ^To be more plain, thou art to slay Mattathias. 

CALEB (aside) — Slay Mattathias. {Hesitates a moment.) 
I'll do it! Give me but the gold thou hast promised, and it 
shall be done. 

MELOS — ^Thou shalt have it. (Takes bag of coin from pouch 
carried at side. ) I give you part; the rest when the work is done. 
Here, take the accursed vStuff. (Throtvs bag of coin at feet of, 
CALEB, then walks to C. D., and looks out.) 



21 

CALEB {grasping 6a^^)— Gold, gold! Ha, ha ha! Gold for 
what? For the Hfe of Mattathias. Well, ha, ha, ha! Tis 
quickly done, and then I shidl live in luxury and win the favor 
of the King. 

MELOS {returning) — But remember, Jew, if thou showest 
a sign of treachery, this point shall reach thy marrow. 

CALEB — ^Thou art a most generous lord. 

MELOS — Expect not too much from mj^ generosity. When 
wouldst thou proceed? 

CALEB— At once, good sir. 

MELOS — I go with thee. {Taking cloak ivhich lies on chair 
and throiving it about him). 

DARIUS {interposing) — Melos, I fear some treachery. 

MELOS — Dost thou know a Greek to fear? 'Tis a dangerous 
plan, but I long for this kind of adventure. {To CALEB) 
Come, lead on, Jew. {To DARIUS) Farewell, my good 
Darius; may the gods shower pleasures upon thee in my absence, 
and when next we meet thou shalt hear of the end of this rebell- 
ion, and the betrothed wife of Judas Maccabeus shall be liiy 
slave. 

{Curtain), 



22 



ACT III. 

SCENE. — The abode of Mattathias in the moiivtains. Night; 
rude hut, R. 3 E., icith doorway; table and loiv couch R. C; chair 
L. C; rocky elevation, rear; steps leading up C; exits R. and L. 
U. E.; MATTATHIAS discovered sitting icith arm resting on 
table. 

{Enter MERZA fro7u hid; goes to C.) 

MATTA.— Caleb! 

MERZA {turning to MATTATHIAS)~Thou didst call, 
good Mattathias? {Goes to side of MATTATHIAS.) 

MATTA. — ^Ah, Merza, art thou near? Naj^ I did but call 
for Caleb. 

MERZA — Caleb hath gone, I know not whither. 

MATTA. — Well, so be it. On some cirand, perhaps. He 
will soon return. Yes, Caleb doth serve me faithfull3^ 

MERZA — 'Tis a pity; were he not so deformed he might 
serve thee better. But tell me, good Mattathias, think you 
not that Antiochus will relent and grant our people the liberty 
which the}^ crave? 

MATTA. — I would it were so; but alas, Merza, in thy gentle 
3'outh, th}^ love for righteousness, thou knowest not the evils 
of this world. Thou knowest not the character of these bar- 
barians. Nay, Antiochus will not relent. He seeks the de- 
struction of our race; but Judea shall triumph. 

MERZA — Heaven grant it may be thus. 

MATTA. — Merza, 'tis not meet that thou shoiddst endure 
the hardships of a soldier's camp. To-morrow thou and thy 
brother Attains shall be conducted safely to thy home in Mispah. 
But come, fair one, let us speak of things more pleasant than 
cruel war. {A trumpet call is heard at a short distance R.) 

MERZA {starting up, goes to C, looking out to R.) — 'Tis 
Judas. 

(MATTATHIAS, rising, goes to L. C. Enter R. 2 E., 
JUDAS, ATTALUS, APPHUS, ABARON, THASI, 
GADDIS, ALPHEUS a7id two extras, icho act as guards. 
Group R. C.) 

JUDAS {embracing MERZA)— I greet thee, Merza, and may 
the blessings of the evening hour be with thee. {Turning to 
MATTATHIAS.) Father, all is in readiness for our departure. 



23 

MATTA. — 'Tis well. Go thou, my son, with thy brethren, 
and speak words of cheer to the faithful who are assembled, 
and impart the message which I have given thee. 

JUDAS — All this shall be done. Thy blessing, father, 
before we go. 

(All kneel and' MATTATHIAS gives his blessing, after 
ivhich they rise.) 

JUDAS [to guards) — Come, then, let us hence. 

[All except ALPHEUS file out L. U. E., by way of stone 
steps. AI>PHEUS remains on guard.) 

JUDAS [turning to ME RZA)— Farewell, Merza. (Goes to 
L. u. E. MATTATHIAS and MERZA cross R. C. looking 
after JUDAS and ATT ALUS, ivho depart together, JUDAS 
turning before he exits.) 

JUDAS—Farewell. {Exits L. U. E.) 

MATTA. -God speed to ye all. 

MERZA—They are gone. 

MATTA. — Yea brave and loyal sons. My days are few, 
and soon Judas must take up my work. Wilt thou remain, 
Merza? 

(ALPHEUS advances to L. C.) 

MERZA — ^Yea, I will await their return. 

MATTA. — ^The folds of night are approaching; the stars 
multiply in the heavens and the air grows chill. I will to rest. 
{To MERZA) Peace be with thee, Merza, and {to ALPIiEUS) 
thee, Alpheus. {Exit MATTATHIAS in hut.) 

MERZA {folloiving MATTATHIAS to door)— Ah, brave, 
good Mattathias! He hath the noblest virtues of our race. 
{Goestol^. C; drops in chair "L.) And to-morrow we go to Mispah. 
Dear old Mispah. Ah, memories of peace and happiness now 
thrown into chaos by unjust, cruel war. {To ALPHEUS R. 
C.) Ah, Alpheus, and thou dost hold vigil to-night? 

ALPH. — Yea, Merza; though in this fastness it needs but 
little watching. The passes are well guarded, and no enemy 
could reach here. 

MERZA — And think you that Antiochus will send his legions 
hither? 

ALPH. — Ah, Merza, Antiochus is a cruel despot, and will 
stop at nothing to bring our people to submission, but the blow 
for freedom has been struck, and we shall meet them with arms 
as strong as d weapons as resistless. 



24 

MERZA {rising) — Would that I were a soldier and could wield 
a sword. {Goes to R. C.) 

ALPH. — Were all hearts as brave as thine, Merza, the battle 
were quickly won. 

MERZA (taking cloak from couch and throicing it about her, 
goes lip on rocky steps) — ^Alpheus, but a short distance along 
yonder path is an overhanging rock. I will go thither to watch 
the camp fire of our people, who are assembled in the valley 
below. {Starts to R.) 

AILPH. — ^Nay, go not, Merza. The path is rockj^ and 
treacherous, and thou ma^^est come to grief, and beside, Judas 
bade me look well to thy safety. 

MERZA — Hold thy good council, Alpheus. By the moon's 
bright rays I can see my waj^ safely. I will return anon. 
{Exit R. U. E.) 

ALPH. {calling after MERZA^— Merza! Well, if thou wilt 
go, I will not stay thee. Women will ever have their way. 
{Turning to L. 3 E.) Hello! Who comes? Stand thou! Ho, 
'tis thou, Caleb. 

{Enter CALEB L. 3 E., leaning on staff.) 

CALEB {hobbling to R. C)— Yea, 'tis L {Looking about 
cautiously.) 

ALPH. — ^Whither hast thou been that thou returnest at this 
belated hour? 

CALEB — 'Tis no concern of thine, whither I have been. 

ALPH. — Thou art in ill humor indeed. 

CALEB— Hark ye {going to ALPHEUS). 1 did meet Judas 
—thou art to go thither at once— to their meeting place. 

ALPH. {aside) — 'This is strange, yet if Judas gave thee this 
message t shall go. {Exits L. U- E. CALEB folloivs to steps 
arid looks after him.) 

Caleb {chuckling) — 'Fool! fool! fool! {Starts suddenly, looks 
about cautiously, and then takes bag of gold from tunic.) A-a-h, 
'tis still there {replaces it, then glides to door of hut. Distant 
thunder. Goes to C). A .storm approaches. (Goes to L, 3 E., 
gives a signal.) 

{Enter MELOS L. 3 E., disguised with cloak.) 

CALEB— S-s-s-sh— {they advance L. C). 

MELOS— This is the place? 

CALEB — Yes — in j^onder hut. {Lightning and peal of thun- 
der. Caleb starts in alarm.) The storm is breaking. 

MELOS — Good. 'Tis a perfect night for the work. Now to 



25 

it quickly. Here! {Hands short blade to CALEB. CALEB 
tremhHng as he reaches for it. Flash of lightning and peal of 
thunder.) 

MELOS — What, man! B3" the god.s, thou dost shake as if 
pursued by the fiends. — Go! {Ca'eb takes several steps toward 
door then starts back in a^.arni. Glides to side of MELOS and 
motions him back. Lightning and thunder.) 

CALEB— Back! S me one comes! (MELOS and CALEB 
exifL. 3e.) 

(Enter MATTATHIAS from, door of hut.) 

MATTA.— A storm is gathering and soon will break in all 
its fury. [Lightning and thunder.) Ali)heus! — Not here — and 
!Merza? Ah, dear child, she hath taken herself to rest. How 
oppressive is the air — all is quiet save the rumble of distant 
thunder. Well, 'tis better so. {Sits at table. Caleb enters 
stealthy L. 3 E. and creeps toward MATTATPIIAS from rear.) 
Better the peace and quiet of this solitude than the taunts and 
blows of our oppressors. Oh Judea, Judea, the land of our 
fathers, how art thou fallen into the hands of these lawless gen- 
tiles. (CALEB just in act of striking MATTATHIAS. Flash 
of lightning and loud pea^ of thunder.) 

MATTA {rising quickly, confronts CALEB, tvho recoils) — 
Caleb! 

MELOS (rear)— Bv the gods, he falters. 

MATTA. {discovering MELOS)— Greek, why art thou here"' 

MELOS {throwing off cloak) — Disguise avails no longer. 
{To CALEB) Strike, thou wretched fool! 

CALEB {dropping sword) — No! I cannot! {Taking bag of 
gold throics it to MELOS.) Tak^ thy gold and go hence! {To 
MATTATHL4S, falling on knees) ^ Master, I lia\^ betrayed 
theel 

MELOS {in ra^e)— Thou dost play me false— then die for thy 
rashness {rushes to CALEB and grasps him by throat) — foul 
slave — thou hideous mass of deformity — hence I say — hence! 
{throws CALEB to L.) and the curses of the fiends go with thee! 
■{During struggle MATTATHIAS falls in faint at table. . ME- 
LOS draics his sicord and starts toward MATTATHIAS. 

{Enter MERZA R. U. E., looks rvith horror, rushes quickly 
between MATTATHIAS and MELOS,) 

MERZA— Hold, coward! (MELOS recoils, goes up on rocks, 
looks to R> and L,, comes back to R, 0/ MERZA, grasps her by 
wrisL ) 



26 

MELOvS (hissing) — Woman, thou didst elude me once; this 
time thou shah not! 

(MELOS attempts to throw cloak about MERZA'S face. She 
struggles. Enter JUDAS L. U. E. Discovers MERZA and 
MELOS. Rushes to MELOS. SIX GUARDS rush in L. 3 E. 
to L. C. JLTDAS grasps MELOS and hurls him to L. C, where 
GVARDShoMhim.) 

JUDAS (to MELOS as he grasps /if;n)— Scoundrel! Thou 
dog of Antiochus! 

(ATTALUS takes charge of MERZA R. C. ALPHEUS 
relieves MELOS of his sivord and throws it R. C.) 
JUDAS (turning to MATTATHI AS)— Father, what means 
this treachery? 

MATT A. (reviving)— Ah\ Caleb— Caleb— Ah! Judas art here 
and — -.Merza — Merza! Ah, it all comes back to me now — the 
Greek — Yes, there lies the traitor (pointing to CALEB) 
ALL (m chorus) — Caleb! 

GUARD (kneeling beside CALEB)— He is dead! 
ALPH. — The same fate to this treacherous Greek! 
GUARDS (in chorus)— Yesl Yes! Death to him! 
MATTA. (rmn^)— Sta3^! Kill not! Besides, 'twould do no 
good. Rather let us deal in a kinder way with our enemies. 
{To MELOS) Greek, thou hast come here with evil intent 
under the guidance of yon traitor, whom thou didst corrupt with 
gold. Thou art in our power and hath merited death, yet I will 
stay the sentence. Go hence, and let it be known that we seek 
not sword and bloodshed, but rather that peace and quiet should 
reign in the laws of our fathers. Guards, give him safe con- 
duct bejT-ond our lines. Go! — 

{Exit R. U. E. ALPHEUS first, MELOS next, and TWO 
GUARDS foUow. APPHUS, GADDIS, ABARON and 
THASI reviain L. C. MATTATHIAS advances L. C. 
JUDAS L. c. MERZA a«cf ATTALUS R. C.) 
MATT ATHl AS, after guards ivith MELOS have made exit, 
throws hand to his heart, gives sharp cry of pain, stag- 
gers and reels. JUDAS catches him in arms.) 
JUDAS (in a/arm)— Father! (ATTALUS and MERZA 
rush to his side) 

MATT A. (gasping) — As though a knife had pierced my 
heart. 

JUDAS — Thou art ill, father! (Leading him to couch.) 
MATTA.— Yea, ill unto death—'tis the end. 



27 

JUDAS— Nay, say not so— Some wine, Apphus. (APPHUS 
brings goblet.) 

MATTA. -Tis of no avail. I feel it is the last. My life's 
work is at an end. Come, mj^ sons, Judas, Ai)phus, Gaddis, 
Aharon and Thasi, come that 1 m.ay speak to you while yet 
life remains. {They all gather around. MERZA supports 
MATTATHIAS from rear of couch.) Oh, my sons, be ye 
zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your 
fathers, and thus consider through all generations that none 
who trust in Him fail in strength. Fear not the words of a 
sinful despot, for his glory shall be short. Today h e is lifted up, 
to-morrow he shall not be found. Thou, Judas (JUDAS 
kneelsbefore MATTATHIAS), art vaHant and strong, therefore 
I charge thee to be the leader of your armj^ and manage war 
of our people. Do this, and thy name shall be honored unto all 
generations. Farewell, and peace be with thee. {Expires.) 

{Curtain.) 



2¥ 



ACT IV. 

SCENE — Camp of Judas Maccabeus. A forest; night; 
moonlight effect; several tents and campfire in background; four 
guards ivith shields and spears grouped about campfire; 
guards sing an appropriate chorus as curtain rises; directly- 
after song is ended a distant bugle call is sounded; guards rise in 
haste and look out R. U. E. 

GUARDS (in chorus) — ^Ah! 'tis Apphusl Apphus returns t 
{Guards line up in rear four abreast and present spears; 
enter APPHUS and guards. They go through drill, then 
lineup -R. and L. APPHUS L. 1 E. 
(Enter JUDAS R. U. E.; all present spears as he enters.) 

JUDAS — Greeting, brother (embraces APPHUS), and (ta 
guards) welcome, brave sons of Judea. May victory continue 
to shine on us. What news, Apphus? 

APPHUS — 'Tis reported that Appollonius, with a large army 
from Samaria, is advancing. 

JUDAS — 'Tis well. Though we are small in number, the 
hand of justice will lead us on to victory. Aye, we shall be 
prepared to give him battle. (Lcnv shouts frotn R. U. E.) 

JUDAS (turning) — How, now, guards? What shouts are 
these? 

(Enter LAZYCUS, struggling between two guards.) 

LAZ. (shouting) — Naj^ nay, 1 am no spyl I tell thee, I am 
no spy! 

GUARDS (as they drag him to C .) — ^He is a spyl He is a Greek. 

JUDAS — Release him, guards. (Guards obey.) Friend, I 
see thou art a Greek? 

LAZ. — A-a-aye, most noble sir. 

JUDAS — What wouldst thou in the camp of Maccabeus? 

LAZ. (trembling) — My name is Laz3'cus, and I fain would be- 
come a soldier. 

JUDAS — Ah, indeed. And why dost thou come here in- 
stead of the camp of A]joIlonius? 

LAZ. — Aye, most noble vsir, I would join your amiy for Z-z-z- 
Zach!-Zach!-Zacharias[ B3" Pollux, I have it at last! Yes, 
most noble sir, Zach told me that you feed your soldiers on pie 
and cake. (All laugh in chorus) 

JUDAS — My worthj' friend, thou hast been misled, but we 



29 

do not starve them, as you see. If thou art resoh ed to join our 
forces then swear that thou wilt be true and loyal to the cause 
for which we fight. 

LAZ. — I swear by Jupiter and all the gods! 

GUARDS {in chorus — 0-o-o-oh! 

JUDAS — Swear not by your temporary gods, for they are 
only the work of man, but swear by the most high, the one God. 

LAZ. — Aye, aye, I swear. {Aside) I '11 swear to anything. 

JUDAS — Gua ds, conduct him to the tent, give him armor, 
shield and spear, that he may be prepared to face the enemy. 
{Exit guards ivith LAZY CVS R. U. E.) 

JUDAS (C, addressing soldiers) — ^Fellow-countrymen and 
loyal soldiers, bravely have 3'ou fought, side by side. Armies 
have come against us but we have met them with point of steel. 
In the clash of arms our mighty blows have carried terror and 
destruction into the ranks of our foes. Sword crossing sword, 
shield pressing shield, foot by foot you fought the f" eld. Press- 
ing onward in the strife mid the litter of burnished steel, dealing 
forth such ponderous blows of sword and spear, you have a 
soldier's heart that knows no fear. We have met! We have 
fought! We have conquered! We have fought for law and 
liberty and have been crowned with victory; but all is not gained. 
Even now Apollonius with an army from Samaria is advancing 
to meet us in battle, and therefore, oh, mj' fellow soldiers, no 
other time remains more opportune than the present for courage 
and contempt of dangers; for if you now fight manfully you 
may recover the liberty of your country, of your laws and of 
your religion. Justice and our good cause fight upon our .side. 
Prepare yourselves, therefore, that you may be ready to boldly 
face the enemy. Remember the parting words of Mattathais, 
and when the hour comes we'll set upon them with the fury of 
tempest that drives all before it! {Turning to ylPPHUS) 
Good night, dear brother. {They embrace.) I will repair to my 
tent, for it grows late, and before another sun has sunk beyond 
yonder mountains, we may be called to the field of battle and. 
may God grant us strength that we may deal a blow that will 
gain for us an everlasting victory. {To soldiers) Good night, 
my loyal countrs'men and brothers, good night. {ExitsR. u. E.) 
(Enter a guard R. 2 E. Salutes APPIiUS.) 
APPHUS— A\Tiat news, my worth guard? 
GUARD — Appolonius continues to advaiice and is now cross- 
ing the nK)untains. 



3U 

APPHUS — 'Tis well. See that the outposts are well guarded. 
{Guard salutes and exits R. 2 E. Shouts from R. U. E. 
Guards look out.) 

APPHUS — Ah! our new member, Laz^^cus, comes! 

{Enter LAZYCUS R. U. E. dressed in comic military. 
Guards laugh in chorus as LAZYCUS enters.) 

LAZ. — ^X-^erily, this is joy uncon fined. With music and 
song let us make merry. (LAZYCUS sings.) 

LAZ. (ivhen song is concluded) — At last, at last, oh, ye gods, 
I am a soldier. Ah, Zach, if thou couldst only see me now! 
{Goes to rear.) 

(Enter JUDAS n. U. E.) 

JLIDAS — Apphus, I return. The hour drags with me. I 
am ill at ease, and I feel as though something were about to 
transpire. 

APPHUS — Be assured, niA^ dear brother, all is well and the 
outposts are strongly guarded. 

JUDAS {looking out R. and starting in alarm) — Look, Ap- 
phus! Who comes? There in the moonlit o]3en jilain. Seest 
thou not three forms advancing? 

APPHUS {looking out R.) — Ay! I see them, brother, and 
one appears to be wounded, for he staggers hea^•ily. 

JUDAS— See to it, Apphus. {Exit APPHUS R. U. E.) 
Now, what can this portend? {Crosses L.) \\'ounded when no 
enemj^ is near — they come. 

{Enter GUARDS supporting ATTALUS, who is wounded.) 

ATTALUS {breaking away from GUARDS, staggers to 
JUDAS)— Judas! 

JUDAS {catching ATTALUS in his a nns)— Attains! 

ATTALUS {exhausted)— Tarry not —with me. I have— my 
death. Haste — haste ere it be too late — the enemy— the enemy 
—Oh— {Faints. JUDAS lowers him to reclining position, 
kneeling beside him and supporting head on left arm.) 

JUDAS — Some wine, quick! He is wounded to death, 
(GUARD brings cup of wine, JUDAS holds it to lips of ATTA- 
LUS,- he revives.) Attains! Attains! Speak man! Awake! 

ATTALUS {in delirium)— There— ihere^my sword— quick 
— quick^- Oh the cowards^^assassins— murderers! (Falls 
back exhausted.) 

JUDAS— 'Oh, accursed be the}'' who have wrought this deed. 
Attains, in God's name, what hath befallen thee? 

ATTALUS (reviving again)— Yea— yea-^\ead on— the enemy 
—lies — in the Citron Grove. 



31 

JUDAS— In the Citron Grove? 

ATT ALUS {with much exertion) — Aye, Mispaih is taken by 
the tj^rants — Husbands — wives — brothers and sisters! young 
and old — are torn asunder. The streets run red with innocent 
blood. The paths are filled with dead and dyine:. The roads 
are lined with crosses to which they nailed our faithfid, and not 
content with this hellish work, the}^ cast oil on them and burned 
them alive. {Soldiers make exclamation of horror. ) We fought 
— oh, we fought braveh^, and fell fighting like true soldiers, 
many never to rise again. But with God's help I dragged my- 
self hither to warn thee — Merza! — Merza! — {Falls back ex- 
hausted.) 

JUDAS {gasping) — Merza! {Distressed.) Yes, speak, Atta- 
ins, what of Merza! 

ATTALUS — In the camp of Apollonius. 

JUDAS— No! No! not that! 

ATTALUS — My wounds bear witness I did all to save her. 
I — can not last — I — grow faint and — death — is upon me. If 
thou dost love Merza — then save her — ^save her, Judas. I 
charge thee — Farewell — fare — well {falls back and dies, L. C). 

JUDAS {knee' in g beside) — He is dead. Brave soul, speed 
thee to everlasting glory. {Rising gently, goes to C.) Merza a 
prisoner in the camp of Appolonius? A fate worse than death. 
Merza, I will save thee! Fellow soldiers, behold the work of the 
enemy! 

GUARDS {in chorus) — Revenge! — Revenge! 

JUDAS — ^Revenge? Aye, their blood cries to heaven for ven- 
geance. To arms! To arms! Soldiers! Comrades! Counr 
trymen! Sound the war-note and let us on to battle! 
Welcome the flash of glittering steel. 

The clanging sword and shield. 
vVelcome the sound of the trumpets' peal. 
Resonant o'er the crimson field! 

Once more I ask, are you all resolved? 

GUARDS {in chorus)— AlW All! 

JUDAS — Then look to your arms, for we go to storm the 
tyrant's camp. Few as we are, we'll set upon them with a fury 
that shall shake all Judea. {Drawing sword.) Now to the 
field of battle; the word's Revenge! 

{Curtain.) 



S2 



ACT V. 

SCENE— The camp of Apollonio'us. A forest; night; 
Moonlight effect; four low couches with drapery, forming semi- 
circle, to rear; principals seated carelessly, partly reclining 
on couches, occupying positions as foUous: APOLLONIUS 
and ALTHEA, ^ couch left, front; VIRTURIUS and 
CYRENE, right, front; a GREEK OFFICER and LYDIA, 
left, rear; a GREEK OFFLCER and MYRA, right, 
rear; FOUR GREEK GUARDS, with shields and spears, 
grouped extreme rear; DOROTHY and SIBYL sitting on ground 
before LYDIA and MYRA respectively, ivaving garlands. Oc- 
cupants of couches hold gold or silver wine goblets. As curtain 
rises a short, lively, appropriate chorus should be sung by all, 
sivinging wine cups in unison ivith song. TITUS and LINUS, 
carrying bronze urns, move about during song and fill goblets. 

APOL. [tvhen song is ended) — Truly, 1113^ friends, this revelry 
cloth cheer ine. Yea, feast and be merry on the eve of battle, 
and to-morrow we'll send those famished, beggarly rebels to 
the land of their unknown God. 

CYRENE {rising, flourishing goblet and shouting ivith sar- 
casm) — Yes, give no quarter to the vagabonds and rascals! 
{All laugh in chorus. CYRENE is seated, again.) 

LYDIA {following CYRENE)— Yes; death to the wretches 
who refuse the laws of Antiochus! 

ALL {in chorus) — ^Aye, aye, death to the Jews! 

{A trumpet call jroyn without. Guards rush to R. U. E. 
and look out. All attention directed to R. U. E.) 

GUARDS— 'Tis Melos, 'tis Melos! 

{Enter MELOS and DARIUS R. u. E.) 

ALL {in chorus, flourishing goblets) — Hail, hail, to the noble 
Melos! Hail to the victorious Melos! (DARIUS goes to R, C, 
MELOS C.) 

MELOS {saluting APOLLONIUS)— A greeting, your ex- 
cellency. 

APOL. (ristng)— Melos, thou art welcome into the camp of 
Apollonius. Thy success at Mispah has already been her- 
alded. Hast thou many captives? 

MELOS — ^Aye, your excellency, about five hundred. 



33 

APOL. (aside) — ^Five hundred! 'Tis a goodly tiumber. 
Gods, what a spectacle twould make to drag the wretches 
through the streets of Antioch at our chariot wheels. {To 
MELOS) Hark you, Melos. We will reserve the younger 
ones for the beasts and combats of the arena. The old ones 
we'll quickly dispose of, and the women — well, ha! ha ! ha! I 
have need of more slaves, Melos. But come, mingle in our 
joys. A toast to thy victory. {Handing a goblet to MELOS.) 
On with the song, and let revelry rule the hour. 

{Song by the ladies; a solo or duet. APOLLONIUS and 
MELOS seat themselves. Toward end of song MELOS 
rises and exits R. U. E., followed by tico of the guards. 
When song is ended a trumpet call is sounded ivithout.) 
{Enter NAHUM in chains, followed by two guards, R. L\ 
E.; advance C.) 
APOL. {to guards) — Now, by my faith, whom do you bring 
before me? 

GUARD {saluting) — ^Your excellency, 'tis one of the captives 
from Mis pah. 

APOL. {sneeringly) — And doth such creatures compose this 
rebel horde whom we are to meet? {Aside) gods, 'twere 
better the women of our realm, armed with their needles, had 
been sent against them. {To NAHUM) Thou gray-beard! 
What hast thou to say for breaking the laws of Antiochus? 
(NAHUM fnakes no answer, but turns a look of disdain upon 
APOLLONIUS. One of the guards takes a scourge 
from his belt, and, raising it high, delivers a slinging 
bloiv across NAHUM'S shoulders.) 
GUARD {as NAHUM staggers and falls forward ivith a 
groan) -^Answer when thou art commanded! {Steps back 
with a look of fiendish delight as NAHUM writhes and groans.) 
Answer, or thou shalt again taste the lash! {Raises arm to 
■deliver another bloiv-.) 

{Enter MERZA, R. U. E., silently, in chains; discovers 
.guard about to st ike NAHUM. ) 
MERZA {gives sharp cry of terror) — Stay! Barbarians! 
Fiends] {Rushes with ouistretched arms beticeen guard and 
NAHUM. All start in amazement. MERZA throics herself 
'doivn beside NAHUM; recoils ivith expression of terror, as she 
recognizes NAHUM.) Father! 

NAHUM {ivith startled expression) — Father? — that voice-^- 
ihat voice! {Rises, assisted by MERZA.) 

L.ofC. 



34 

APOL. {fiercely) — ^\Vlio is this woman? 

NAHUM {ivith a mingled cry of joy and despair recognizes 
MERZA. MERZA rushes to him; he embraces her) — My child! 
My child! {Aside) Alas! Thou wert better dead. {They 
stand L. C.) 

AFOL. {fiercely) — 'Tis a hoax to gain freedom. Guards, 
seize yonder slave! 

NAHUM {as guards start foriiard, places MERZA quickly 
to his right and stands with arms aloft in defiant attitude, tremb- 
ling icith rage) — Back! back, dogs! Brutes! Lest I rend 
thee asunder. {Guards coicer. NAHUM, aside.) The fire 
of youth again courses through my veins. {Recoiling.) Ah! 
{holding up chains), j'et how powerless are we in the hands of 
these barbarians. {To MERZA, in undertone) Child, by 
the love of all that is sacred, let not thy name be known. {Turns 
to APOLLONIUS.) Sir! 

APOL. {sarcastically) — Aye, hypocrite, thou wouldst now 
plead for mercy? 

NAHUM — Mercy? Aye! Not for me, but for her; for my 
child. She hath done no wrong. Pass sentence on me — 
scourge, torture, slay me; but spare my child! Spare her! 

APOL. {impatiently) — Enough! This unmelodious tongue- 
clatter doth annoy me. If thou wouldst be free, then swear 
allegiance to the King. 

NAHUM — Swear — allegiance — to the King? 

MERZA {to Nahum)—No\ 

NAHUM {to Apollonius)—No\ 

GREEKS {in chorus)— He refuses the law! He denies the 
King! Death to him! 

NAHUM {to MERZA, in despair)— Child, I cannot save thee. 
My heart breaks. Jehova, be thou merciful. 

APOL. {fiercely) — Soldiers, seize yon traitorous rebel! 
{Guards start forward to seize him.) 

MERZA {throiving herself before NAHUM)— You shall not! 
No; you shall not! {Guards hesitate.) 

APOL. {furiously, rising up from couch L. C)— By the gods, 
since when are soldiers cowered by a woman? Tear them 
asunder! 

(NAHUM and MERZA are seized and separated by the four 
guards.) 

NAHUM {as guards seize ^t^n)— Farewell— my child— fare- 
well — 



35 

MERZA {breaking away from guards, kneels in pleading 
attitude) — Father — father — mercy — 

APOL. {as guards are taking NAHUM out.) — Away with the 
carrion, to yonder le.-ge. (MERZA utters cry of agony and 
falls prostrate.) 'Tis fully a hundred feet down, and there let 
the hyenas and wolves hold high revel upon his carca ^s! {Gu :i rds 
exit ivith NAHUM R. U. E. APOLLONIUS follows to rear, 
then returns to C, looks down at MERZA and gives low chuckle.) 

MERZA {reviving, partly raising) — Father — they shall not 
take him — ^no — no. {Discovers APOLLONIUS.) In mercy, 
let me die. 

APOL. — By Venus! thy beauty charms me. Nay, naj^ girl, 
thou art too young to die. Thou hast not yet tasted the joys of 
life. {Takes step toward her. MERZA starts to her feet in 
frightened manner, R. C; clasps hands and looks up appealingly.) 

APOL. — Ha, ha, ha. {To Greeks) See, friends, she inv^okes an 
invisible deity, (i.9 MERZxA.) Where is this God to whom thou 
prayest? I see him not. 

(MERZA makes no answer.) 

CYRENE {going up to MERZA, sarcastically) Yes, let us 
see Him, and if he be a jolly God, like Bacchus, we will deck him 
with roses! 

{Greeks all laugh in chorus.) 

ALTHEA {advancing as did CYRExNE)— Aye, show him to 
us and we will crown him the Queen of the Jews! 
{Greeks all laugh in chorus.) 

APOL. — Girl, thou shalt join in our love feast to-night, and 
on the morrow I may be disposed to give thee liberty. The 
wine cup — aye, bring hither the wine cup {slave boy, L. C, 
brings cup), and we'll see how well thou canst give a toast to 
Bacchus and in return we will give one to thy invisible Jove. 
(MERZA stands silent and impassive, R. C.) Perhaps thou 
w^ert wont to have a lover who is not with us, but thou shalt have 
lovers. Aye, here thou shalt have lovers by the score! 

MERZA {turning on APOLLONIUS ^erce/y)— Enough! 
Thou canst torture my body but not my soul. 

APOL. {aside) — ^By Venus, a choice flower to grace the 
Greek camp. Com2, I would know thy name, girl. 
(MERZA is silent.) 
{Enter MELOS R. U. E. Recognizes MERZA.) 

APOL. {in rage grasps MERZA by wrist and forces her to 
knees) — ^Answer,' slave, when I command! Thy name! 



MELOS {crosses to R. C; salutes APOLLONIUS)— A 
word, your excellency. (APOLLONIUS still holding MERZA.) 
This woman is known to me as the betrothed wife of Judas Mac- 
cabeus. 

APOL. {startled, releases hold on MERZA; goes to L. C.) — Be- 
trothed to Judas Maccabeus? Melos, art thou sure of this? 
MELOS— Let her deny .t. 

APOL. {to MERZA)— Woman thou hast heard. What 
hast thou to say? 

(MERZA makes no ansiver.) 
APOL. — Answer me, slave! Is this outlaw thy lover? 
Answer, or by Mars Pll have thee scourged' 
(MERZA makes no ansiver.) 
APOL. — l^hy silence is a confirmation. {Aside) By the 
fury of the gods, we have the very instrument to humljle 
this outlaw and his vagabond followers. {To MELOS) Ah, 
1 have it, Melos! (MELOS crosses to L. C. and stands before 
APOLLONIUS.) Dispatch a messenger at once to their camp 
and inform this rebel Maccabeus that we have his betrothed in 
our power, and onl}^ on condition that they lay down their arms 
and surrender to me will I spare her. Should he refuse, then 
she dies. Go, Melos, see to it at once. 
{Exit MELOS R.) 
APOL. {to MERZA) — Now, woman, wilt thou make answer? 
MERZA {defiantly)— No\ 

APOL. — Now, by Jupiter, I will be obej^ed! Guard, put her to 
the whip! 

{Guard ivho has scourge at hand makes ready to execute 
command.) 
APOL. — Strike, and spare not the lashes! 

(^5 guard raises arm to strike a quick trumpet call is heard 
in the distance; guard recoils; commotion and alarfn.) 
APOL. — How, now? Was that not a call to arms? 
ALL {in chorus) — Aye! Aye! your excellency. {All ex- 
cited.) 

APOL. {'oudly)— Then look to it qukkly! 

{Another bugle call; APOLLONIUS goes to C, MERZA 

rushes to L. 1 E.; Greek ladies, maidens and slave boys 

make hurried e.xit R. and L.) 

MELOS {dashes in R. 2 E., shouting) — ^To arms! to arms! 

We are attacked by the rebels! They have taken the outposts 

and are advancing, led on b}^ Judas Maccabeus'. 



37 

APOL. — Judas Maccabeusl Now, by Mars, what treachery 
is abroad. {Clash of arms in the distance.) Hark! Already 
I hear their alarm! {Drawing sword.) On, soldiers, advance 
our standards and charge upon the foe! Look well to your 
swords and give no quarter. On, I say, and maj^ the gods 
smile on our victory! 

{All exit 11., except MERZA, who remains T..) 

MERZA (looking about in terror) — They are gone! (Goes 
to R. 3 E., looks out, staggers back in horror.) They are fighting 
fiercely. Oh, soldiers of Judea, may your blades be guided 
bj^ the power above, and may you triumph over these barbar- 
ians. (C.) 'Tis not safe to remain here, but whither shall I 
go? (Sinks doivn beside couch L. C.) Judas, 1 plead for thee. 
Mayest thou be granted a victor^^ (Clash of anns and loiv 
shouting in distance.) 

(Enter APOLLONIUS hastily, followed by MELOS R. 
U. E.) 

APOL. (L. C.) — By the furies of Hercules, they fight like de- 
mons ! 

MELOS (R. C.) — Withdraw, 3'our excellency; withdraw 
your forces further off. They press us hard! 

APOL. (in rage) — No! I'll not withdraw. Here will I stand 
of fall. I've set my life on it. What! Thinkest thou the 
imperial army of Antiochvis shall be driven from the field b3'^ a 
lawless mob? No! B}^ the immortal gods, I say no! (Crosses 
to R. C, looks out to R., starts back in alarm.) Look j^ou, Melos, 
Do mine eyes plaj^ me false in the dim morning light, for by the 
Fates, our soldiers appear to fall back? 

MELOS (looking) — Aye; it doth so appear. 

APOL. (furious) — By the immortal gods, they do give way. 
(To soldiers without) Charge! Charge on them, or, by my 
soul, I'll cleave the first that turns his face! Charge, I say; 
for I swear to have the head of Maccabeus! 
(MERZA gives lotv cry.) 

APOL. (turning sharply) — What, slave, thou here? (Grasps 
her rough' y by the wrist.) Bj^ the furj^- of the fiends, I'll silence 
thee quickly. (Raises sivord to strike her. Loud shouting 
and clash of arms from without. Apollonius recoils.) 

MELOS— We're lost! We're lost! (APOLLONIUS casts 
MERZA aside and rushes to MELOS. MERZA L. C.) 
See, our soldiers are driven back again, and fall like chaff be- 
fore the wind. Some invisible power seems to be abroad, for 



38 

no mortal blows could work such havoc in our ranks. (Shouts 
frotn L.) Hark to yonder shouts! We are beset on all sides! 
Come, your excellencj^ I'll help thee to safety. Fly while you 
have time. 

APOL. [to MELOS)— The curses of all the gods be on thy 
cowardly" head. I'll not flj^! {Turning to MERZA.) Woman! 
Thou, the betrothed wife of Judas Maccabeus? Ha, ha, ha! 
Well, then, let him come! Let him come, I saj^! He will find 
a corse, for thou shalt not live to grace his victory! {Rushes 
at MERZA as if to slay her.) 

{Enter JUDAS, quickly, L. 2 E.; crosses swords with APOL- 
LONIUS; APPHUS rushes in L. U. E., and drives MELOS 
off R. APOLLONIUS recoils R 1 E.) 

JUDAS {discovers MERZA)— Merza! {Throws down shield 
and clasps her in arms.) Thank God! 
. MERZA— Judas! 

APOL. {hissing) — Judas Maccabeus? 

JUDAS {ivith defiance) — Aye, tyrant! Well met. 

APOL. {in rage) — Melos! Darius! By m^^ soul, the devils 
have betraj^ed me. {To JUDAS) She is my slave. Aside, 
or, by the gods, I'll cleave thee! 

JUDAS — Thv blade were wont to serve a better master. 
{Enter APPHUS R. U. E.) Apphus, look vou to Merza. (AP- 
PHUS takes charge of MERZA.) 

JUDAS {to APOLLONIUS; loud shouts from R.)— Hark 
you, Apollonius, to j^onder shouts of victory. The vengeance 
of God hath fallen upon thy army. Th^^ course is run; thy 
tyrannies are at an end. Aye, thou knowest well how to murder 
women and children. If thou art not a base coward, then 
measure swords with a man. {Goes to C.) Come, I'll meet 
thee fair! 

APOL. — Ma3' the gods blast thee, rebell I'll not give way! 
{Rushes at JUDAS. They fight, going through a series of broad- 
sivord movements, ending with APOLLONIUS receiving a thrust, 
and he falls C. MERZA rushes to left of Jl^DAS, who takes 
her in arms.) 

{Enter victorious Maccabee soldiers R. U. E., driving Greek 
soldiers before them, fighting as they come on.) 

JUDAS — The day is won, and victory is ours! 

ALL {in chorus) — Victory, and long live the Maccabees! 

{Curtain) 



^ 



UBRftRY OF 



CONGRESS 



« 016 n/^f/fi 



